Electrolyte Analyzer Stability Checks Using Internal Standards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolyte measurement devices using ion-selective electrodes lack a method to check the stability of electromotive force during standby times between measurements, leading to potential instability and the need for re-measurement when abnormalities are detected.
Innovation Solution
The device includes an electrolyte concentration measurement unit with ion-selective electrodes, a reference electrode, and a control unit that measures potential differences using an internal standard solution during sample dispensing, allowing for early detection of abnormalities based on measurement data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrolyte measurement device waits until after sample measurement to determine abnormality based on internal standard solution measurements, then the device can maintain measurement quickness, but the device cannot detect unstable states early and may require re-measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs abnormality determination using internal standard solution measurements before the actual sample measurement begins. By conducting the stability check in advance, the device can detect potential issues early and prevent time loss from re-measurement, while maintaining the quickness of the actual measurement process.
2Measurement precision
If the device increases time until next sample dispensing after electrolyte measurement, then colorimetric analysis can be performed accurately, but the electromotive force becomes unstable due to environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the electromotive force of the ion-selective electrode during the standby period between measurements. When the electromotive force becomes unstable beyond a threshold, the system receives feedback and adjusts by performing a new internal standard solution measurement to recalibrate, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring excessive standby time.
3Device complexity
If the device performs abnormality determination after sample measurement as described in PTL 1, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot check electromotive force stability during standby time
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically performs internal standard solution measurements and abnormality determinations without requiring additional manual operations or complex external systems. The existing measurement system serves itself by conducting stability checks and recalibrations autonomously, maintaining simple device structure while enabling continuous electromotive force stability monitoring.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables early detection of unstable states, ensuring accurate and reliable electrolyte concentration measurements by identifying and addressing potential issues before sample analysis, thereby improving measurement reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a difference in electromotive force between the internal standard solution and the sample is determined by the ion-selective electrode
Implementation Method 2
a component concentration is determined based on the electromotive force of the ion-selective electrode
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is provided with an electrolyte measurement unit 11, a second measurement unit for performing measurement of a different measurement item to the electrolyte measurement unit 11, a sampling mechanism 5 for dispensing a sample to the electrolyte measurement unit 11 or the second measurement unit, and a control unit 13 for controlling the operation of respective devices. When the sample is dispensed to the second measurement unit by the sampling mechanism 5 or measurement of the sample is performed by the second measurement unit, the control unit 13 measures the potential in a state in which ion-selective electrodes 104, 105, and 106 are filled with an internal standard liquid, and determines, on the basis of measured data, whether or not there is an abnormality in the electrolyte measurement unit 11. An electrolyte analysis device capable of sensing an unstable state at an early stage, and a method for determining an abnormality in an electrolyte concentration measurement unit, are thereby provided.